Staffordshire Hoard to Come to Tamworth

Sep 30, 2010 by Warren

Some of the items found in Saxon Hoard - Pic: portableantiquities

Tamworth Borough Council have revealed that the Staffordshire Hoard that was found last year just outside Lichfield, will be coming to Tamworth as part of a planned tour taking in Staffordshire, that was announced on the anniversary of the hoard being declared a treasure.

The temporary exhibition will be displayed in Tamworth Castle, in the Great Hall. Work is also on going for a more permanent display and the Mercian Trail.

“The news that the Staffordshire Hoard is coming to Tamworth is fantastic news. Residents and visitors will be able to see the Hoard in its rightful place – the ancient capital of Mercia. The touring exhibition could lead to tens of thousands of people discovering the fascinating history of Tamworth and its surrounding area.”

To coincide with the hoard coming to Tamworth, next years Summer Festival will have a Saxon theme and will celebrate Tamworth as the ancient capital of Mercia.

Ahead of the announcement, members of the Council Cabinet visited the hoard restoration and conservation project at Birmingham Museum, which coincided with new images being released.

Cllr Rob Pritchard, who was among the councillors who attended, said:

“While at the museum, we saw the restoration work in progress which involves each piece being cleaned by hand. It was so exciting to see pieces under a microscope and being able to examine the intricate details. It truly was a magical experience. Some pieces are on display at Birmingham and I would urge everyone to go and see them.”

David Symons at the museum showed councillors the ‘folded cross’ – one of the items blessed by the Pope during his recent UK visit. Specialists from Birmingham Museum and Stoke Potteries Museum have been out to look at the castle to see how the Hoard items could be displayed.